Is this a mix of styles? House exterior design panic!
Our renovation project is due to start soon. It will be a big change and we are happy with the architect structural design but aren't completely sure how to have the exterior. We thought we had settled on a brick and render combo with white UPVC windows (the ones that are supposed to look like timber), but in trying to pick the specific window design we're now wondering if it all fits together and if there's anything else we should consider..
This is a mock-up my husband has done to try to help us decide on the exterior finish (not quite to scale)
Architect's front elevation for our new house design::
Current house is all brick with white UPVC windows.
The street has a few different shapes and sizes of house so not all identical. Those near to ours are either all brick or brick/render with white windows.
We had considered various options - including all brick or just rendering the entrance section instead of a horizontal half:half. Also were tempted by grey aluminium windows for a while but in the end decided (we think!) that we prefered the more traditional look of the top-half rendered and white windows. We're not completely against a modern look but don't want the house to look too industrial.
We're now just having a last minute wobble and want to check we're not making any obvious mistakes! We don't know much about house architecture and I suspect we're mixing up elements from different periods. Does the half render look OK with the fairly modern design? How about having the windows like this with the top part divided by a single bar? (We think completely plain white UPVC windows will look a bit stark but aren't keen on the leaded windows or having georgian bars all over.) We *think* we've ruled out grey aluminium but are still slightly drawn towards the more modern look this would give.
Probably relevant though that we will be sticking with the same/similar bricks and tiles to blend the new bit with the part of the house that is staying, including the whole rear side of the house (all windows will be changed though.)
Thanks for reading. We'd love to hear some thoughts on this.
Comments (15)
Avril
2 years agoDon’t know if you have heard of back to front they are exterior designers? They have many photos on their website and social media which may give you inspiration.
Here’s an example.
I expect a big budget is needed though to achieve some of these changes and some may be too modern.
I can see your house being wonderful with the right changes, so hope you receive some good ideas from the talented people on here too. Good luck.
Adele M
2 years agoRelated Discussions
how to mix design styles
Comments (2)Hello nskingle, I think it's very easy to mix and blend styles and from the sounds of things you have some very nice pieces... Consider a colour scheme for the bones of the place and then start to weave in the furnishings.. I can see something bold and dramatic.. The most important aspect is that you have an interesting and textural home that you love. Try to be instinctual and don't be afraid to move things around yes.. Styling is one of my favourite aspects of my role and you'll know when you have found the right place for something or even a collection of things.. Enjoy the process.. : ))...See MoreExterior ideas for a chalet style house
Comments (6)Agree with Lauren on this. Architecturally this property is crying out for regeneration/a face lift. You could easily enhance the facade treatment and no doubt daylight filtration into the interior spaces through introducing a range of materials/cladding/new openings. Perhaps it is worth looking at some conceptual design options initially and then opening up discussions with your local planning department. If you do not risk over capitalising then you could consider increasing the SQFT through extending upwards or inserting dormers! This may help you improve the internal accommodation. Hard to say without fully understanding the existing set up. I have worked on over 600 developments over the past 9 years and can certainly visualise a great end product here....See MoreExterior Design Ideas Please
Comments (21)Restrictive covenants have been mentioned but remember that cladding, render and replacement windows are all likely to require planning permission. I'm confused, though. Why buy a traditional style if you want a modern style place? I think fiddling around with grey window frames, modern plank doors etc will badly compromise the traditional style of the house and critically, may clash badly with neighbouring properties if it's part of a development. That's why covenants and requirements for permission exist. Therefore I would address a few key elements. The side panel on the front door looks awkward and spoils the proportions of the opening, so look to replace with a full width bespoke door in a suitable style. You could look at a vertical planked style if you want to modernise but a coloured finish would look better than a modern plank like teak. The arch over the door is also a poor feature, consider rendering inside it and painting it. The windows are a heavy design with bulky frames but are you really willing to go to the considerable expense of replacing them for looks alone? Final suggestion is invest in much more substantial pots/planters and shrubs. They will make a huge difference in softening the exterior and you could also consider digging out some of that heavy tarmac under the window to plant instead....See MoreAdvice on exterior design of our New England cape cod style home
Comments (5)Thank you! I should add... the photo doesn’t show it, but the roof is past its time with curling shingles and moisture seeping under, especially bad on the full dormer at the back of the house, The wood siding and shingles are a little beat up, but it’s the cost of painting every few years that has us looking to fiber cement siding. The back and sides of the house are currently a blue gray wood shingle....See MoreJonathan
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2 years agoI'm not keen on white windows with brick, maybe cream or sage green?
I also think the horizontal stripes make it look shorter and fatter.
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